The Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine’s Creativity in Health Education Program is seeking artists and science researchers interested in collaborating to create original artworks that inspire interest in the research being done in the Roanoke and New River valleys of Virginia.

The school’s upcoming art exhibition, “Research in the Abstract,” will pair local artists with research scientists, including faculty and/or students from the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Research Institute and partnering institutions.

Selected artists will be paired with a researcher to learn about their research projects to use as inspiration to create original artwork(s) using the artist’s chosen medium and style. Artworks will be displayed alongside a short artist’s statement describing the collaboration project and the research project summary.

The exhibit will be at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, located at 2 Riverside Circle in Roanoke, Virginia, from April 7 to July 31, 2017. An opening reception, free to the public, will be held on Thursday, April 27, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

“The research being done in our area is chipping away at a range of health problems – from addiction, to heart conditions, to patient safety, and more,” said David Trinkle, associate dean for community and culture. “This creative and fun opportunity will provide the community with a window into the beauty and wonder of scientific innovation and discovery in the pursuit of health.”

Artists who are interested in participating should complete the artist application form and submit it with three to five images of their work. Artists working in all mediums are encouraged to apply.

Researchers interested in this collaboration are also encouraged to apply for the opportunity to work with local artists and see their research translated into new and exciting media. The research projects should be taking place in the Roanoke and New River Valley areas.

The application form for research scientists can be found here.

All forms should be submitted to Carrie Knopf, at cfknopf@carilionclinic.org, by 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 20.

Selected artists will be paired with a research project by Jan. 25.  Artists will be given materials, such as a research project summary, research photographs, and other materials, to use as inspiration and will have approximately two months to produce one to three original artwork(s). Artists are encouraged to connect with the researcher and visit their lab, if possible, to learn more about the project soon after selection. Completed artwork must be delivered to the school by April 5 for inclusion in the exhibition.

The artist may put their art work(s) up for sale with the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, which will collect a 20 percent commission to underwrite future art programs and shows.

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